Still he heaved a little sigh as his mind wandered involuntarily to the fair Enid.
The hour had arrived, the clergyman was waiting, and Ralph offered Dora his arm, saying, imperatively:
“Come!”
“Go, and I will follow; but I will not touch you until I am obliged to,” she said, icily.
Somewhat crest-fallen he obeyed, turned, and led the way from the room, followed by the three sorrowful women.
They passed through several brilliantly lighted corridors, and at length paused before a wide entrance, draped with heavy curtains, before which stood two pages.
There was a confused murmur of voices within, as if a large company were assembled, and waiting for the appearance of the bridal party.
Dora gasped once or twice, but made no other sign to reveal the struggles of her almost breaking heart.
Without a word Ralph stepped to her side, and taking her hand, drew it within his arm; then making a sign to the pages, the curtains were suddenly swept aside, revealing the magnificent and brilliantly lighted drawing-room, into which Robert was conducted on the night of his capture.
A murmur of admiration greeted the ears of the party as they thus stood revealed to the company within.